Michigan Town Approves Non Discrimination Ordinance

Associated Press

Thursday August 29, 2013

OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Another southwestern Michigan community has approved an LGBT-inclusive ordinance that would ban discrimination in employment, public accommodation and housing practices.

The measure passed on a 6-1 vote Tuesday night by trustees in Kalamazoo County's Oshtemo Township, reported the Kalamazoo Gazette.

It closely models one approved last month in Kalamazoo Township.

The ordinance bans discrimination based on several factors, including race, sex, age, religion, national origin, height, weight, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical or mental ability, gender identity, sexual orientation or genetic information.

Numerous other Michigan communities offer similar protections.

Trustee Dave Bushouse cast the lone dissenting vote. Bushouse says he questions whether the township has the legal right to take up the issue.

A violation of the ordinance could bring a fine, from $75 to $500.

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